Few weeks back, the city of Bhubaneswar had topped the list of 20 smart cities which was released by the Central govt. It seems the city has already begun taking steps to become truly smart. It is getting open-air gymnasiums installed in 10 of its public parks which will be open for anyone to use for free. While the general perception of smart cities is that of automated transport, internet-connected devices and large IT parks, the focus shown by the Odisha govt on the health of the people is truly heartwarming.

Initially, five parks were equipped with 12 basic fitness apparatus such as air walkers, sit-up benches, air swings, twisters, set backs or gliders, push and pull up chairs, knee/hip raise on parallel bars, big shoulder wheels, spinners, benches with fixed dumbbell, benches with fixed weight lift and poles with fixed weight lifts. Soon afterwards, five more parks were added to the list.

Each centre will have a budget of Rs. 48 lakh, and the entire project has been allotted Rs. 2.5 crore. While installing the equipments, proper care has been taken to choose the type of exercises best suited for that particular region. The Chief Horticulturist of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Mr. Ashok N. Dhar explains, “For example, the kind of equipment we will install at Niladri Vihar will be meant for people aged between 17 and 25 years, but we can’t do the same at BJB Nagar as the maximum population here are elderly and retired people.”

However, some residents from areas which have already got equipped with the gyms have demanded roofing over the machinery, as it is being subjected to dust and rain and getting degraded. It is to be hoped that the authorities take a note of the matter and ensure roofs over the equipments.

The idea to have open-air gymnasiums is a step in the right direction. While on one hand it is a way of providing preventive healthcare to people wherein they stay healthy and do not require visits to hospitals, on the other hand it also provides opportunities for enhanced social interaction across age, gender, community and economic status. The Logical Indian community applauds this unique step by the Odisha govt and BDA, and urges the residents of Bhubaneswar to make full use of this facility and also keep it clean and well-maintained.

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There Is Nothing That Women Cannot Do, This Women’s Day Spread The Message Of Equality

Little did the thousands of women who stepped out on the streets of the then Russian Empire know, that their protest would become the theme for women’s rights across the world, for eternity.

It was March 8, 1917, when women textile workers in Petrograd (capital of the Russian Empire) marched for their right to vote. Since then, the day is commemorated to celebrate women worldwide.

Russia’s February Revolution Was Led by Women on the March.Independent

A century later, have we progressed?

Yes, we’ve come a long way since the first women’s rights movements, but a long road still lies ahead.

Even in 2018, women do not enjoy equal status to men in all spheres. We still hear phrases like ‘don’t run like a girl’, ‘don’t throw like a girl’ or ‘don’t dress like a girl’. The ones making the statements remain ignorant to the fact that running like a girl is the same as ‘running like a boy’ – with all your might; throwing like a girl is the same as ‘throwing like a boy’ – with all your power; and dressing like a girl is the same as ‘dressing like a boy’ – in whatever makes you comfortable.

Women have time and again proved that they can do ANYTHING, and this video by ParleG aims to showcase just this. It is time we realised that women are capable of achieving great heights because #ZiddiChhoriya never give up.

Despite the hushed talks, the demotivation and the doubts, women have worked hard to become athletes, scientists, singers, poets, writers, chefs, army persons, and what not. In fields where they were not recognised before, women are making strides. Their determination and will power are making those who questioned them, question themselves.

What is it that women cannot do? From trekking Mount Everest to making beautiful paintings? As the video correctly portrays, #ZiddiChhoriya are representing India at international stages, playing drums, leading teams, and motivating others to do the same.

It is because of these women who show immense perseverance that other women are inspired to chase their dreams.

This Women’s Day, let us salute the power of women. Let us spread awareness about equality, and lead by example.